And it looks like advantage Kim with Fisher forced into a 39-hole marathon before he overcame Masters champion Angel Cabrera tonight.

Kim had earlier thrashed Australian Robert Allenby for the second time this month.

A 5&4 victory for the 24-year-old from Los Angeles came three weeks after he beat Allenby 5&3 at the Presidents Cup.

Fisher, who lost to Paul Casey at the last-four stage of the Accenture World Match Play in Arizona in February, had gone from two up to one down with five to play.

He then won the 32nd and 33rd, but paid the price for laying up at the par-five last with Cabrera making birdie from the rough.

They had to return to the final tee three more times in sudden death before Fisher hit a brilliant fairway wood to 12 feet and Cabrera, bunkered and then over the green, conceded defeat.

At stake tomorrow is a first prize of almost £676,000 with £405,000 for the runner-up.

There appeared to be no love lost between Kim and Allenby.

Get in there: Anthony Kim celebrates beating Robert Allenby 5 & 4

After their cup duel Allenby made accusations of late-night drinking by his opponent.

They have since held 'clear-the-air' talks and say they have finished discussing the matter, but former European Tour player Wayne Riley said after watching their morning round: 'I'm looking forward to the shake (of hands) at the end - will it be a shake with a left uppercut?'

In the end there was just the handshake and no more. In fact, they exchanged precious few words throughout.

At lunch Kim was questioned about asking Allenby to hole some short putts but said: 'I don't really think I have. Maybe a 2 1/2-footer, but it had a little break to it.

'Let's just say I am pretty focused on my game and if that slides by me that's a mistake.'

Allenby responded: 'That's match play. It does not matter, I will putt them all out if he wants. I'm happy to, I'm not going to miss them. I gave him four-footers but it does not bother me.'

They were level at the break and with 13 to play, but then Kim won five of the next seven, four of them with twos. Three were birdies and he also pitched in from 101 yards for an eagle two at the 27th.

After the match Kim denied there was an edge to their tussle, adding: 'It was such a big match for me - it was important for me to win this. I wanted to play well.'

We're there: Anthony Kim gets a hug from his caddy after reaching the Volvo World Match Play final while Ross Fisher, below, is rather more sedate about it

A relieved Fisher can move up from seventh to fourth in the money list race by winning a title played from 1964 to two years ago at his home course Wentworth.

'It's a shame it's not there, but this is a great venue and a great test not just of golf, but also fitness levels. I've played 93 holes already.'

Looking ahead to facing Kim he stated: 'Dare I say it, it could be a possible Ryder Cup match for the future.'

European captain Colin Montgomerie was present earlier in the week and will be delighted to have seen one of his star men making his mark - and even happier if Fisher brings down Kim.

Kim is only playing because seven other higher-ranked Americans turned down theopportunity.

'I'm surprised, but I'm so thankful. This is a very big tournament for me because it's been a very tough year mentally and physically.'